Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by aiian on 03/29/09 - 6:34 PM

We finally picked up an 88' Boston Whaler Sport today. I've been drooling over it on Craig's List for weeks.

Took it out on the lake today and we're hooked. Ran like a champ and the problem I had was fighting my three year old for the helm :) My only gripe is that the previous owner mounted the controls too far away (as you can see in photo #9) which shouldn't be a problem to relocate.

Here are some pics of our maiden voyage, '88 Boston Whaler.

I have a couple questions though...

Where and how do you guys secure bow and stern lines? Also, what's a good size line, I was thinking 3/8" x 15'?

What size anchor should I get that would actually work and fit in the bow hatch?

Where can I find some type of hose to wrap around all the cables going to the motor?

And lastly (for now) what's with the two holes in the back? Should I keep them both plugged or just the bottom?

Edited by aiian on 03/29/09 - 7:40 PM

Posted by ioptfm on 03/29/09 - 6:54 PM

Congradulations! You and your family will enjoy for years to come.
There should be an eye-bolt just in front of the forward hatch. That can serve to secure the anchor and as a bow line. In the rear there should be an eye-bolt on both sides of the transom. I bought an anchor that fits in the forward locker and I would guess weighs around 15#. Make sure you also have anchor chain attached to it. The hose you are referring to is just a wiring harness and you should be able to get it at any marine store. Leave the 2 holes in the back open.

Posted by aiian on 03/29/09 - 7:10 PM

ioptfm wrote:
Leave the 2 holes in the back open.

I thought I'd read that somewhere but when the bottom was unplugged a little water came in thus freaking the misses out.

Posted by Jeff on 03/30/09 - 6:39 AM

The hose is called wire loom and can be found all over.

While some leave all of their plugs out I was plug the bottom thru-hull in the bilge.

The Sapele interior on that boat looks outstanding.

Great photos BTW. What did you shoot them with.

Your boy looks like he is natural behind the wheel. I just traded my vintage 1965 Honda trail 90 for a 1975 13 for my 14 month old son.

Posted by MW on 03/30/09 - 9:13 AM

Also check out "Homey Depot", for, wire, Cable ties, hose, split loom, and other products, check that they are "Marine" rated, "Wal-Mart" also has "trailer" parts, "Marine stores" are expensive for "Common" items. Congrat's and welcome aboard "W/C", and the wonderful world of "Whalers" !

Posted by aiian on 03/30/09 - 5:34 PM

Jeff wrote:
Great photos BTW. What did you shoot them with.

Thanks but I wouldn't call them great, Lightroom ruined them on export.

They were shot with a Canon 50D and 24-70 f2.8L.

Posted by scrimshaw on 04/03/09 - 3:56 PM

#11

Life is good !!!!
As someone who works in an acute care Psychiatric institution you have found the answer many search for, there currently is no pill that provides this amount of life satisfaction !
Well Done.

Love to see Kids and Whalers !!!

Posted by Binkie on 04/06/09 - 12:11 PM

#12

As someone who works in an acute care Psychiatric institution you have found the answer many search for, there currently is no pill that provides this amount of life satisfaction !
Well Done.

Jim,
That's probably true. Next time you go fishing, bring a boatload of nuts with you. (Cuckoo`s Nest) I`m sure they will have a good time. I remember the first time they took me out in a boat. WOW!!:D

Posted by theo on 04/06/09 - 12:56 PM

#13

aiian wrote:

ioptfm wrote:
Leave the 2 holes in the back open.

I thought I'd read that somewhere but when the bottom was unplugged a little water came in thus freaking the misses out.

Sit the missus down next to you at the computer, click this link: http://www.whaler.com/why-whaler/hy-whaler/, then click the "Safer Boats - Safer Investment" tab and check out the photos. A little water coming in?? Pshaw. ;)

Posted by Binkie on 04/06/09 - 1:33 PM

#14

They might not sink, but their "safeness" won`t make up for an inept skipper. fill the boat up to the gunwales with a wave, and a Whaler will turtle on you, just like every other boat, and leave you sitting on the outside of the bottom, wondering what to do next.

Posted by theo on 04/07/09 - 8:08 AM

#15

Binkie wrote:
They might not sink, but their "safeness" won`t make up for an inept skipper. fill the boat up to the gunwales with a wave, and a Whaler will turtle on you, just like every other boat, and leave you sitting on the outside of the bottom, wondering what to do next.

Start looking around for a beer that didn't sink. What else is there to do? :o

Being new to boating doesn't make him an inept skipper. Everybody starts somewhere. But I hear you about swamping. I always wanted to swamp the 13 when I was a kid, just to see how it would behave, but I think my old man would have frowned on that!

I take it you've swamped your 13 then?